India's maritime capabilities received a further boost with the delivery of another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter to the Indian Navy, as the United States described the development as another milestone in the growing defence partnership between the two countries. The helicopter arrived at Kochi, while two more aircraft are expected to be delivered in the coming days, according to the US Embassy in India.
Welcoming the delivery, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the addition of the advanced platform would further strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. "Excellent news for our growing U.S.-India defence partnership! Great to see this advanced capability strengthening maritime security and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Gor said in a post on X.
The US Embassy also confirmed the latest delivery, noting that the helicopter was manufactured by Lockheed Martin as part of India's ongoing fleet modernisation programme. "Another MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter touched down on Indian shores! Developed by Lockheed Martin, this highly equipped helicopter was delivered to the Indian Navy at Kochi last week, with two more arriving this week. Thrilled to see the U.S.-India defence partnership growing stronger," the Embassy said.
India had signed an agreement with the United States in 2020 to procure 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to modernise the Indian Navy's ageing helicopter fleet. The first batch of the helicopters was formally inducted into service in March 2024 at INS Garuda in Kochi, significantly expanding the Navy's anti-submarine and maritime warfare capabilities.
To support long-term operations, India signed a comprehensive sustainment package for the fleet in December 2025. Approved by the Ministry of Defence, the contract, valued at approximately ₹7,995 crore (around USD 946 million), is aimed at improving maintenance, logistics support and overall operational availability. The agreement is also expected to enhance interoperability between the Indian and US navies while strengthening maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region.
Following the commissioning of the Navy's second MH-60R squadron in December last year, then Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi said the helicopters had already demonstrated their operational value. Referring to their deployment during Operation Sindoor, he said the aircraft had "did what they were supposed to do." Describing the platform as one of the most capable in its class, the Navy chief had added, "MH-60R is a very potent platform, well-proven. We are very happy that we signed the contract for the induction of 24 MH-60R." The government had earlier stated that the helicopters had "already proven their prowess across multiple missions during Operation Sindoor."
The MH-60R Seahawk, commonly known as the "Romeo", is among the world's most advanced multi-role naval helicopters and is operated by the US Navy as well as several allied countries. Designed for a broad range of maritime operations, the aircraft is capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, casualty evacuation and shipborne missions from aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates.
The helicopter is equipped with sophisticated mission systems, including dipping sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode radar and Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine operations. It can also carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, lightweight torpedoes and machine guns for anti-surface missions, supported by advanced radar and electro-optical targeting systems.
